The 1950s

1950: A Royal Presence

The one and only time a reigning monarch has attended a British motor race, King George VI helped the crowd to celebrate the status of European Grand Prix on the Silverstone race.

1951: BRDC takes over

The British Racing Drivers’ Club took over the lease of Silverstone from the RAC, and set about changing the airfield track into something more permanent and raising the spectators up for a better view.

1956: Fangio bashes his way to victory

Argentinian legend Juan Manuel Fangio won the British Grand Prix. The cutting-edge aerodynamics of the car meant he couldn’t see much of the circuit, and he repeatedly dinged up his Alfa Romeo on the oil drums marking the edge of the track.